What is a UK Study Visa?

Intakes available for UK Student Visa

• Intake 1: September/October (Major intake)
• Intake 2: January/February
• Intake 3: - May/June

Short-Term Study Visa

Student Visa (Points-based)

Child Student Visa

Short-Term Study Visa

This stream is designated specifically for prospects who aim to study in the UK for fewer than 11 months. Under a short-term study visa, you can stay inside the UK for 11 months with no further extension, and you are not eligible to work part-time jobs under a short-term study visa.

USA, Canada, Australia, and EEA (European Economic Area) can enter the UK as visitors on arrival and continue to pursue a course for less than 6 months. You can also pursue an accredited or recreational course with a 30-day course tenure or less while holding visitor status.

Student Visa

This generic stream is for students choosing the UK for their higher education (PG, Masters). This stream allows you to live and study in the UK for your course tenure, where you can work part-time during your course tenure. Adding to that, you can apply for a graduate visa for up to 2 years upon completing your course tenure. This stream provides a versatile option, and the decision of staying or leaving the country, of course, entirely relies on the UK government. Previously known as Tier 4 visas, this stream was renamed to the student visa stream in October 2020

Child student visa

A child student visa is designed for children between 4 and 17 years of age aspiring to study at an independent school in the UK. However, as an international student, you generally do not fall into this stream.

Eligibility for UK Tier 4 Visa for International Students

• A full-time academic offer letter, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor at an average of 1481 universities in the UK is under a Licensed Student Sponsor.
• Must have financial support to study in the UK and also to support themselves.
• Must have good English proficiency.
• A student needs consent from their parents if their age is 16 or 17 (below 18 years).
• Must achieve 40 points in the UK points-based visa system.
• ATAS certificate: ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme).
• Must have original academic graduation or provisional certificates and mark sheets.

1. Student visa application form.
2. Consent from parents or guardians (if below 18 years of age) during the time of application submission.
3. Academic Transcripts.
4. Letter of Recommendation (if applicable).
5. Statement of Purpose.
6. A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor.
7. ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate if your nationality or course requires it. (Indians need an ATAS certificate.)
8. Pay slips if required (last 3 to 6 months).
9. English language proficiency test report.
10. Original degree certificates, provisional certificates, and mark sheets.
11. Tuberculosis medical test results.
12. A recent passport-sized picture.
13. Compensation for the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.
14. Must be of good character (police certificate).
15. Medical Clearance Certificate (MCC).
16. 10th and 12th grade marksheets if you apply for UG.

Step-by-step process to study in the UK for Indian students in 2024

Check your Eligibility

Make sure to meet 70 points in the grid.

Proof of Funds

You must have sufficient funds to study in the UK before you apply for a the study visa. Funds must cover your living expenses, tuition fees, and accommodation.

Your financial statement from a financial institution must prove the following:

• Funds must be at least 28 days old (parent's or guardian's bank statements can also be submitted).
• Tuition fees for the first year of your course.
• 1,023 pounds per month is your living expense for the initial nine months of your course tenure. On the other hand, if you have a CAS from a university in London, you are supposed to show 1,334 pounds per month as living costs.
• If you include dependents along with your application, it will cost 680 pounds per dependent per month.

If you have a sponsorship or scholarship from your university, you are bound to submit a sponsorship letter too.

Gathering the correct documents

The UK visa application can consume more time and is sometimes confusing, depending on the case. We would recommend processing through a consultant to avoid last-minute hassle and make sure you apply. At least 4 to 6 months prior.

• Filled-up Visa application form
• Valid ATAS certificate (depending on your course and nationality)
• CAS from a licensed sponsor
• Tuberculosis Results
• Parental or guardian consent if you are under 18
• Valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Language requirements and outcome
• Official translation documents if your documents aren’t furnished in English
• Biometrics (during application filing)

If you need any other additional documents apart from the ones listed above, your CAS will meet those requirements.




Course Acceptance & College Fee

• You are bound to formally accept your university’s course offer beforehand, and we will approach the UK government to file your study visa.
• acceptance, the university will proceed to offer a CAS.
• Pay the first deposit or first-year tuition fee against your university tuition fee as per your university norms. However, this fee is separate from the visa application fee.
• Upon receiving CAS, it is essential to verify the details provided are correct, which include your course details and personal information.
• The CAS will also contain your course tuition fee details, deposits, and English proficiency requirements.
• The CAS will hold a unique reference number, and the validity of the CAS is 6 months.
• Sometimes your university may want you to answer a short questionnaire before they issue CAS.



Filing Your Application

• Register and create an account on the official UK platform.
• Upon completion, print and sign the completed form.
• Schedule your interview by using the appointment calendar.

Payment Methods

• Online payment using Master or Visa cards (debit and credit)
• Payment at VAC while submitting the visa application
• DD from a nationalized or foreign bank: Get a DD in favor of the “British High Commission”,
• Standard Chartered Bank: Pay the fee at the bank, and the bank will issue a DD in favor of “British High Commission.”



Visa Fee: 363 Pounds per Person (Student Stream)

Healthcare surcharge: 470 pounds per year

For short courses: 97 pounds for 6 months

Taking up the Visa Interview on the scheduled date

• Visit the visit center as scheduled and carry the necessary documents along.
• Photographs and fingerprints
• Passport copy

You are bound to prove your identity as part of your application process.

Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC. Otherwise, you can also access the UK Immigration ID Check App to scan your identity document.

In a few cases, to confirm that you are a genuine student, you may be selected for a credibility interview (a five-minute interview via video link with a UKVI official).

Obtain a Decision Letter

Generally, the application submitted will be processed within 3 weeks from the date of submission. Upon your application being reviewed and processed, you will receive

• Decision letter
• Your passport and
• An entry vignette

The vignette allows you to enter the UK within a 30- or 90-day timeline. This tenure is based on the course start date mentioned in the application form.

Collect BRP Upon arrival




Be sure to collect your BRP (Biometric residence permit) upon arriving in the UK. Even if circumstances don’t favor you obtaining a BRP during your arrival, take the necessary steps to fetch it within 10 days of your arrival.

Carry your passport and entry vignette while you collect your BRP.

Your BRP is an essential immigration document.

What are the application processing fees and time for a UK study visa?

The visa processing fee and the processing time for the UK study visa are given in detail here.

Visa type	Visa fee (in £)	Visa fee(in INR)	Visa processing duration
General/Student Route Visa	£490 (outside UK)	50,107 approx.	3 weeks .
Short-term study visa (6 to 11-month visa)	£200	20,450 approx	3 weeks
Child student visa/ Tier 4	£490	50,107 approx.	3 weeks

Cost to study in the UK from India:



• visa Application fee: 348 GBP (British pound sterling)
• Dependent Visa application fee: 348 GBP (British pound sterling)
• CAS application fee:0 to 200 GBP/ Licensed Sponsor (University)



UK University Fees




S.no	Program type	Average Tuition Fee GBP (British pound sterling)/yearly
1	Undergraduate Bachelor Degree	6,000 to 16,000
2	Post Graduate Master’s Degree	10,000 to 20,000
3	Doctoral Degree	13,000 to 29,000

Top 10 Courses to Study in UK

Courses	Programs Offered	Average Tuition Fee (per year)
Architecture and Construction Management	Bachelors and Masters	£17,000 - £45,000
Business Analytics	Bachelors and Masters	£18,000 - £35,500
Computer Science	Bachelors and Masters	£20,000 - £50,000
Data Science	Masters	£19,000 - £43,000
Computer Science	Bachelors and Masters	£20,000 - £50,000
Engineering	Masters	£14,000 - £55,000
Fashion and Interior Designing	Bachelors and Masters	£10,000 - £35,000
Finance, International Business and Accounting	Bachelors and Masters	£20,000 - £50,000
Law	Bachelors and Masters	£19,500 to £49,000
MBA and MIM	Bachelors and Masters	£40,000 to £1,20,000
MBBS	Bachelors	£22,000 - £62,000

Top In-demand jobs in UK after your study

IT business analysts and systems designers

Web designers and developers

Healthcare managers

Biochemists and biological scientists

Various engineering specializations

Geophysicists, geologists and hydro-geologists

Living expenses in the UK




Students must be able to support themselves financially while attending university and living in the UK.

Funds required for one's maintenance are mentioned here.

The amount of money you'll require is determined by the location where you'll attend your university. You'll require one of the following:

Location	Duration	Cost per month
Courses outside London	9 months	£1,023
Courses inside London	9 months	£1,334

One can expect the following monthly living expenses in the UK:




Expenses	Monthly cost
Bills charges (water/electricity/gasoline)	£40 - £50
Travel & Transportation (student pass)	£32
Food Fare/Groceries & Home utilities	£160 - £200
Mobile phone/Internet	£15 - £50
Entertainment & Recreation	£120

UK Student Visa Requirements for International Students (Know the requirements to renew or extend UK Student visa)

If you want to remain and pursue a different program of study, you might be allowed to extend or renew your student visa. This applies even if you already hold a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

To extend or renew your UK student visa, you must qualify for the following:

• Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), as represented by your University from a certified student sponsor.
• Must have a current student study visa and be residing in the UK.
• Provide the academic progression requirement.



You have another option where you can switch your visa type to ‘graduate visa’, and stay for 2 years after the completion of your course.

• The fee for extending your study visa is £490 + healthcare surcharge (varies per person)
• The fee for switching to a graduate visa is £715 + healthcare surcharge of £624 (depending on how many years you intend to stay)
• The Graduate Visa costs:



Period	Cost of Graduate Visa
2 years	£ 1248
3 years	£ 1872

IELTS and TOEFL score requirements for study in the UK:

IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo are the few accepted language tests in the UK.

S.no	English proficiency Test	Maximum score/Out of	Minimum required Score
1	IELTS	9	6 for UG & 6.5 for PG
2	TOEFL	120	70 for UG & 91 for PG
3	PTE	90	54 for UG & 61 for PG
4	Duolingo	160	105 - 120

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)



• UG:A minimum of 6 overall with no bands less than 5.5
• PG:A minimum of 6.5 to 7, with no bands less than 6. However, a Ph.D. requires a higher score.
• the same standards as the IELTS.



Pearson Langauge Test (PTE)



• UG:A minimum of 54 points overall, with no component less than 51. Few PG and Ph.D. courses require higher scores as well.
• PG:A minimum of 61 points overall, with no component less than 54. Few PG and Ph.D. courses require higher scores as well.



TOEFL iBT:




UG: A minimum of 79 scores with	PG: A minimum score of 91 with
Reading - 18	Reading - 20
Listening - 17	Listening - 19
Speaking - 20	Speaking - 21
Writing - 17	Writing - 10

Few PG and Ph.D. courses require higher scores as well.

Can I study in the UK without IELTS or other language tests?

Yes, you can study in the UK without IELTS as an Indian. Few universities in the UK will consider your application without IELTS in the event you satisfy any of the following eligibility criteria:

• The English test score in high school is above 60% in 10th and 12th grades.
• The medium of instruction is English.
• A few universities conduct online interviews to check student potential and waive IELTS if the standards are considerably good.



Post-Study Work in the UK

International students in the UK on a Tier 4 visa can extend their stay after graduation if they secure a job offer with a minimum annual salary of £20,800. This allows them to transition to a Tier 2 General visa valid for five years. Gaining work experience in the UK can significantly boost your chances of applying for permanent residency

Top UK Universities as per World QS Rankings 2024

If you're seeking the best institutions for undergraduate or graduate studies in the UK, we've got you covered. Our carefully curated list of the top 10 universities in the country is based on the QS Ranking. Whether you're after an excellent education or a prestigious institution, there's something here for everyone.

Name of the University	QS Universities Ranking
University of Oxford	4
University of Cambridge	2
Imperial College London	6
University College London (UCL)	8
The University of Edinburgh	15
The University of Manchester	28
King's College London	37
London School of Economics and Political Science	56
University of Bristol	61
The University of Warwick	64

Top UK Public Universities with Affordable Tuition Fees

UK public universities have reasonable tuition fees for international students with various scholarships.

The list of top public universities are listed below. Some of these universities also accept admissions without IELTS.

Public Universities in London
Brunel University	Goldsmith's College	Kingston University
The University of Bolton	Coventry University	Leeds Trinity University
University of Plymouth	Staffordshire University	London Metropolitan University
King's College London	London School of Economics and Political Science	Middlesex University
Robert Gordon University	Portsmouth University	Northumbria University
Queen Mary University of London	University of London	University of Greenwich
University of Central Lancashire	University of Central Lancashire	University of Northampton
University of Cumbria	Buckinghamshire New University




UK Scholarships for International Students

Each university has its own reward structure and funding allocation. Some academic and research programs not only reimburse a portion of your living expenses but also provide up to 100% of the tuition fees.

To enroll in UK universities with less or no tuition fees, you can apply for any of the well-known official scholarship and grant programs:

• Brunel International Excellence Scholarship (up to £6,000)
• Glasgow International Leadership Scholarships (£10,000)
• Chevening Scholarship (up to £18,000)
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students (up to £45,000)
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship (up to £12,000)
• Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University for International Students (up to £18,000)



What are the reasons for getting a UK study visa refusal?

Here are a few of the frequent grounds for UK visa denials during the initial stages of the visa application.

• Insufficient documentation and paperwork
• Unsatisfactory Academic Grades
• Inadequate preparation for the interview
• Years of the gap between your education and employment
• Shortage of funds
• Presenting false information



Which is the best UK study consultant in Chennai?

Are you planning to study in the UK and in need of assistance to obtain your study visa as quickly as possible? Look no further than GreenTree Immigration, one of the top UK study visa consultants in India. Our team of experienced UK study visa agents is dedicated to providing timely and efficient support to ensure your success.

Schedule an appointment today to experience the superior services provided by GreenTree Immigration.




Why choose GreenTree Immigration for your UK study visa process?

This well-regarded, registered consultant is recognized for their exceptional services and commitment to providing clients with reliable, transparent guidance. As the foremost UK consultant, GreenTree Immigration excels at helping individuals navigate the often-confusing UK study visa application process with ease. Their experienced team is ready and willing to support you in every aspect of your study visa application.




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.What is the UK study visa fee?

The UK study visa costs £363 (36,433.09 INR) approximately.

2.What is the processing time for the UK study visa?

The processing time for the UK student visa is 3 weeks.

3.What are the documents required for the UK study visa?

The essential documents required for a UK study visa are a valid passport, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of funds, a valid ATAS certificate, a tuberculosis medical certificate, proof of English language, and parental consent if under 18.

4.How much money is required for a UK student visa?

It is mandatory to have a minimum bank balance of 12–15 lakhs and must demonstrate proof of funds for one year, which includes 1-year accommodation and tuition fees.

5.Can you work in the UK with a student visa?

Students with a full-time degree can work for up to 20 hours a week (Monday–Sunday).

6.Is IELTS mandatory for a UK study visa?

A UK study visa can be obtained without IELTS, provided proof of English language proficiency is demonstrated. You can submit your 10th and 12th marksheets and any other proof that demonstrates your English proficiency.

7. Can I stay in the UK after my studies?

Yes, students who have completed their undergraduate or postgraduate degree can extend their visa and stay for up to 2–5 years.

8.How much can a student earn in the UK per month?

Students can earn up to 200–500 GBP per month. The minimum hourly wage is 5–10 GBP.

9.What are the new rules for international students who are opting for a UK study visa in 2024?

Effective January 2024, international students pursuing a postgraduate research program will be the only ones allowed to bring their dependents to the UK under their student visa.

10. What is the 28-day rule for a UK student visa?

You must ensure that the money allocated for your course fees and living expenses has been present in either your own or your parent's account continuously for 28 days, ending on the date of the final balance.

Quick abbreviations

• CAS-Confirmation of acceptance for studies
• ATAS-Academic Technology Approval Scheme
• LSS-Licensed Student Sponsor
• TOEFL- Test of English as a Foreign Language
• GMAT-Graduate Management Admission Test
• IELTS- International English Language Testing System.
• PTE- Pearson Test of English